Marcos: PH, Japan committed to strengthening maritime security

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:02]In an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific, where tensions test the resilience of a rules-based order, our two nations remain unwavering in our commitment to uphold international law, promote stability, and advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

[00:00:22]We affirm our deep respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our fundamental belief that all states, regardless of size or power, are equal, have a voice, and are free to pursue their development in accordance with international norms and law.

[00:00:42]As maritime democracies, the Philippines and Japan are committed to strengthening maritime security, and ensuring that our seas remain open, secure, and governed by rules, not by force.

[00:00:57]The Philippines remains at the forefront of upholding a rules-based maritime order.

[00:01:03]This mutual commitment to peace extends beyond our seas and into our local communities.

[00:01:10]Japan's steadfast support for peace and development in Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, continues to help uplift the region long affected by instability and by conflict.

[00:01:23]We recognize Japan's contributions to international peace, and we value our growing strategic partnership that reflects not only common interest, but common principles, as well.

[00:01:37]This partnership finds concrete expression in our deepening defense and security cooperation through frameworks such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and Japan's Official Security Assistance Program, which supports the Philippines in enhancing its maritime domain awareness and defense capabilities.

[00:02:01]Our cooperation demonstrated in humanitarian assistance and disaster response where our nations stand ready to help one another in times of crisis as well as in law enforcement collaboration where we work together to combat transnational crime and promote maritime safety.

[00:02:22]In all these areas, our partnership reflects a shared commitment not only to security but to being responsible members of the international community.

[00:02:33]We are duty bound to preserve a peaceful world where nations can thrive and our peoples can realize their full potential.

[00:02:43]For it is on this foundation of peace that prosperity takes root and where our partnership continues to deliver real, tangible progress.

[00:02:53]Japan has played an indispensable role in the Philippines economic journey.

[00:03:00]It is consistently among our top trading car partners, a leading source of foreign direct investment, and our largest provider of development assistance supporting infrastructure, connectivity, and human development that have transformed lives across our archipelago.

[00:03:19]At the same time, the Philippines contributes to Japan's economy through the steady supply of high-quality agricultural products and through the dedication of nearly 360,000 strong Filipino community supporting [snorts] key sectors in Japan including health care, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.